When asked how he saw the role last week, Dr Davies said: "The Archbishop should encourage parishes to proclaim Christ and invite people to be saved through him."

The two contenders each styled themselves as conservative evangelicals and played down their theological differences since being nominated for the job two months ago.

But Phillip Jensen, the dean of Sydney and brother of the outgoing Archbishop, publicly questioned aspects of Dr Davies' theology. He wrote an essay that was interpreted as an attempt to shore up support for Mr Smith within the church's more conservative faction.

There were also complaints from Dr Davies' supporters after promotional material circulated by Mr Smith's backers was said to have overstated his support from local churches.